Interchangeable jewelry setting

ABSTRACT

An article of jewelry has a jewelry setting for removable engagement of a jewel from such article of jewelry. The jewelry setting enables biased engagement of the jewel with the article of jewelry in a secure manner, such that inadvertent separation of the jewel from the article of jewelry is prevented. A special tool for the engagement of the jewel with the jewelry article may be provided to enhance the secure connection between the jewel and article of jewelry. An interchangeable system of jewels, settings and articles of jewelry is also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation of PCT/US02/09081, filed Mar. 22, 2002,which application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) fromprovisional application serial No. 60/278,313 filed on Mar. 23, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to jewelry settings generally, and morespecifically to a jewelry setting having interchangeable parts that arerotationally biasable together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Jewelry pieces are conventionally permanent. In other words, oncea jewel is fixed within a setting, the jewel and the setting may only beused or worn as a combined unit on one part of the body. This can bequite limiting, for example, if one wished to display or wear aparticular jewel on one's finger during one occasion and on one'sclothing in a brooch or pin during another occasion.

[0004] Interchangeable jewelry settings that overcome such a limitationare known. Usually, interchangeable jewelry settings allow a variety ofstones or jewels to be used with a single setting. Alternatively, asingle jewel or stone can be used in a variety of settings for adornmentin a variety of locations. An early example is shown in U.S. Pat. No.1,864,371 to Prussian.

[0005] Most prior art interchangeable jewelry settings incorporate afirst setting piece having a jewel fixed thereto and a second settingpiece into which such first setting piece is secured for as long as theuser wants it in that piece of jewelry. The first setting piece may bethreadingly engaged with the second setting piece, as shown in U.S. Pat.No. 1,160,723 to Lander. Other manners of engagement are shown in U.S.Pat. No. 4,982,581 to Furuyama, U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,310 to Lai, and U.S.Pat. No. 3,933,011 to DiGilio et al. Another popular method is shown inU.S. Pat. No. 5,456,095 to Tawil et al., wherein a bayonet-type lockingarrangement having ramped engagement portions is used to secure thefirst setting within the second setting.

[0006] In each of the prior art references noted above, there is achance that the first and second pieces may be inadvertently separatedthrough hand manipulation. Such possibility arises from the downwardplacement of the first setting piece, having the jewel fixed thereto,into the second setting piece into which such first setting piece isplaced. In such an arrangement, the engagement and disengagement of thefirst and second setting pieces may easily occur while the article ofjewelry is being worn. While this arrangement may be convenient if it isdesired to swiftly change gems or diamonds, it lacks a certain amount ofsecurity. Furthermore, because the engagement of the first and secondpieces occurs primarily by hand, there are no security measures inherentin the structures of the prior art that prevent unwanted disengagementof the first and second pieces.

[0007] The setting of the present invention overcomes the inadequaciesof the prior art by providing a secure means for releasable andinterchangeable engagement of a gem with a jewelry piece. Theconstruction of the setting prevents unwanted removal of the gem fromthe setting while the jewelry article is being worn and displayed byrequiring engagement of the gem with the setting from the inside of thesetting, not the outside of the setting. Thus, for example, if thejewelry item is a ring worn on a person's finger, the gem can only beinserted into the ring through the interior of the ring and not from theouter periphery of the ring. In addition, the gem is preferably engagedand disengaged from the setting by a special tool, which must preferablybe used to insert, remove and interchange gems with the setting. Thus,unwanted disengagement of the gem from the setting is prevented becauseonly the owner of the jewelry article would have possession of the tool.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide ajewelry setting having an interchangeable gem setting.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide ajewelry setting having an interchangeable gem setting that is rotatinglyengageable with the jewelry article.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide ajewelry setting wherein the gem or jewel is spring-engaged with anarticle of jewelry.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide ajewelry setting that prevents inadvertent disengagement of a gem orjewel from an article of jewelry.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide ajewelry setting that preferably requires the use of a special tool forengagement and disengagement of a jewel or gem from the article ofjewelry.

[0013] Still other objects and advantages of the invention will becomeclear upon review of the following detailed description in conjunctionwith the appended drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An article of jewelry has a jewelry setting for removableengagement of a jewel from such article of jewelry. The jewelry settingenables biased engagement of the jewel with the article of jewelry in asecure manner, such that inadvertent separation of the jewel from thearticle of jewelry is prevented. Additional security measures, such asrequiring the use of a special tool for the engagement of the jewel withthe jewelry article, may be designed into the construction of thejewelry setting. The jewelry setting enables a plurality of jewels to beinterchangeably set within the article of jewelry, thus enabling theappearance of the article of jewelry to be changed as desired. Inaddition, various jewelry settings may also be incorporated into variousarticles of jewelry, such that jewels engageable with such settings andsuch articles of jewelry can be used interchangeably.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the components of the jewelrysetting of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the insert, spring and jewelryarticle of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembled insert, spring andarticle of jewelry.

[0018]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the jewel, washer and setting of thepresent invention.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembled jewel, washer andsetting.

[0020]FIG. 6A is an exploded view of the components used to assemble thejewelry setting of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the setting of FIG. 1.

[0022]FIG. 6C is a top view of the insert of FIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 6D illustrates a plug or cover used to prevent the setting ofthe invention from rotating within the insert once the insert is fitwithin the setting.

[0024] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate engagement of the setting of the inventionwith the insert of the invention.

[0025]FIG. 8 is a partial section view of the assembled components ofFIG. 1.

[0026]FIG. 9 illustrates a plurality of jewels interchangeablyassociated with a jewelry article.

[0027]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative design of thesetting member of the invention.

[0028]FIG. 11 is a partially hidden assembly view of the setting of FIG.10 position in an insert of the invention.

[0029]FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the insert of thepresent invention.

[0030]FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of thecomponents of the jewelry setting of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a tool engaging a component of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The jewelry setting of the present invention is designed toprovide a consumer with the ability to optimize and maximize the use andenjoyment of a jewel or gem. Normally, a jewel is purchased inconnection with a single article of jewelry, which can only be worn on asingle body part. This can be quite restrictive and prevent the userfrom wearing the jewel on more than only a few selected occasions. Byallowing a user to securely interchange jewels with different jewelryarticles, the user is no longer prevented from wearing a jewelry articlein only one environment. Thus, a jewel may be worn on a ring one day,one a bracelet the next day, on a pin the day after, and in earrings theday after that. Or, a jewel may be used interchangeably with differentjewelry articles throughout a single day. Accordingly, a user owning aplurality of different jewels and a plurality of different jewelryarticles can create many jewelry articles having many differentappearances. This provides the user with a variety of choices andoptions that are not possible with a jewelry article having a jewelfixed therein.

[0033] The following detailed description is of the best mode or modesof the invention presently contemplated. Such description is notintended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an example ofthe invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and byreference to which in connection with the following description and theaccompanying drawings one skilled in the art may be advised of theadvantages and construction of the invention. In the various views ofthe drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts.

[0034]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a jewelry article employing thejewelry setting of the present invention, generally comprising anarticle of jewelry 20, such as a ring, pin, brooch, bracelet or thelike, a spring 40, an insert 60, a setting 80, a washer or spring 100and a jewel or gem 120. For purposes of illustration and explanation,the article of jewelry 20 will be shown in representative form as asquare piece, it being understood that such article of jewelry 20 can bea portion of a ring, pin, etc. The assembly is completed by engaging the“male” part, defined by the assembly of the gem 120 seated within thesetting 80, with the “female” part defined by the assembly of the insert60 and spring 40 both seated within the article of jewelry 20.

[0035] First, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the spring 40 and insert 60 areseated within an orifice 21 provided in the article of jewelry 20 andfastened thereto, such that the spring 40 is seated on the recessedsurface 22 and the bottom edge surface 62 of the insert 60 is seated onthe spring rim 42. Such orifice 21 is defined by a seating surface 22, aside surface 24, an inner surface 26 having an inner opening 27, and anouter surface 28 having an outer opening 29. The terms “outer” and“inner” as used herein refer to the position of the article of jewelry20 as worn on a person's body. In other words, if the article of jewelry20 is a ring, then when such article is worn on a person's finger, the“outer” surface 28 would be exposed to the world, while the “inner”surface 26 would lie adjacent the person's finger and be hidden fromview. The insert 60 is further defined by an inner surface 63, areceiving chamber 67 adapted to receive the setting 80 as describedbelow, and engagement members 65 having downwardly depending projections68 for engaging the setting 80 as will be described below. The resilientspring tabs 44 that project upwardly toward the seated insert 60, whichtabs will be described in detail later, are preferably not contacted bythe bottom edge surface 62 of the insert 60. The side surface 64 of theinsert 60 is preferably fastened to the inside surface 24 of the articleof jewelry by a suitable adhesive such as glue, epoxy or the like, suchthat the upper edge surface 66 of the insert 60 becomes flush with theinner surface 26 of the article of jewelry 20.

[0036] The steps illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, i.e., the seating of thespring 40 and insert 60 in an article of jewelry 20, can be performed atthe factory when the article 20 is manufactured, or it can be performedlater by fashioning an orifice 21 into an existing piece of jewelry.Thus, the insert 60 and article of jewelry 20 can, if desired, befashioned as a single piece.

[0037] The positioning of the jewel 120 within the setting 80 isillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The setting 80 is provided with an orifice82 adapted to receive the jewel 120 and a seating surface 84 adapted toreceive the washer 100. The setting 80 is further provided with an upperedge surface 86, a ledge surface 87, a lower edge surface 88 (see alsoFIGS. 6A and 6B), and fin-shaped engagement members 90 having pockets 92fashioned therefrom, which pockets are designed to engage protrusions 68(see FIGS. 2, 3, 6A) provided on the inside engagement members 65 of theinsert 60. The engagement members 90 and the engagement of the setting80 with the article of jewelry 20 will be described in connection withFIGS. 6A through 8.

[0038] Returning to FIGS. 4 and 5, the use of a spring or washer 100 ispreferred to protect the seating contact between the jewel 120 and thesetting 80, however such use is not critical and it may be left out ofthe construction as desired. Such element 100 may either be a simplerubber washer or a spring akin to spring 40. In certain situations, theuse of a washer may be desirable. For example, a washer 100 will notshow through a real diamond but will show through a fake diamond, suchas a cubic zirconia. Thus, the washer 100 may be used to verify the typeof jewel 120 placed within the setting 80. However, if it would beinappropriate to use a washer, then a spring may be used instead.

[0039] In any event, once the jewel 120 is set within the setting 80,the upper edge 86 of the setting 80 is used to fix the jewel 120 inplace. Such fixation may comprise the bending of the upper edge materialover the crown 122 of the jewel 120 or the use of prongs (not shown)folded over the crown 122. Alternatively (not shown), the jewel 120 maybe inserted through the underside of the setting 80 (necessitating theuse of a setting having the means to allow for passage of the jeweltherethrough) and secured to the setting with a type of fillingmaterial. Such type of fixation would allow the person setting the jewel120 to first check if the jewel 120 fits perfectly through the openingdefined by the upper edge 86 of the setting. Otherwise, the upper edgematerial folded over the crown 122 may cover the crown 122 too much orit may not cover enough of the crown 122 to fix the jewel in place onthe setting 80. Other methods of fixation are contemplated.

[0040] Once the jewel 120 is assembled within the setting 80, thesetting 80 and jewel 120 combination is engaged with the article ofjewelry 20 as shown in FIGS. 6A through 8. The lower edge surface 88(FIG. 6B) of the setting 80 is provided with a plurality of ledges 94that define along said lower edge surface 88 a seat adapted to receive akey 140 having a handle 141 and contact portion 142 for facilitatingmanipulation of said setting 80 during engagement and disengagement withsaid insert 60. In other words, the contact portion 142 of the key 140is designed to securely fit within the opening defined along lower edgesurface 88 of the setting and bounded by the ledges 94. The setting 80is insertable into the receiving chamber 67 of the insert 60 by aligningthe engagement members 90 with the openings defined along the upper edgesurface 66 of the insert 60 (FIG. 6C). As shown in FIGS. 6A through 6C,such alignment can only occur if the setting 80 is inserted with theupper edge surface 86 facing the insert 60 and the lower edge surface 88facing away from the insert 60. In other words, the setting 80 cannot bemistakenly or improperly inserted into the insert 60 starting with thelower edge surface 88 because of the unique design of the upper edgesurface 66 openings and the mating design of the engagement members 90.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 7A through 8, the setting 80 is thenhand-inserted into the receiving chamber 67 of the insert 60 by thepassage of the engagement members 90 through the upper edge surface 66openings, with the ledge surface 87 of the setting 80 coming intocontact with the spring tabs 44 of the spring 40. Then, using the key140 engaged with the lower edge surface 88 of the setting, the setting80 is pushed (arrow 150 of FIG. 7) further into the insert 60 againstthe spring tabs 44 and rotated (arrow 155 of FIG. 7) until theprojections 68 present along the insert engagement members 65 are seatedwithin the pockets 92 present along the setting engagement members 90.Stop surfaces 69 fashioned into the inner surface 63 of the insert 60prevent over-rotation of the setting 80 with respect to the insert 60.FIGS. 7B through 7C are illustrative of the mating between theengagement members 65 and 90. When the setting 80 is first introducedinto the insert 60, mere rotation of the setting 80 within the insert 60would not result in engagement of the projections 68 and pockets 92because the edge 91 of the engagement member 90 would contact theprojection 68 as a result of the engagement member 90 being initiallybiased toward the engagement member 65. Thus, by pressing against thespring tabs 44, the setting 80 is displaced enough so that theprojection 68 can clear the setting engagement member 90, duringrotation of the setting 80 with respect to the insert 60. Upon releaseof the key 140 from the setting 80, the spring 40 biases the projections68 against the pockets 92. Alignment of the projections 68 and pockets92 can occur by varying the displacement of the spring tabs 44 such thatthe projections 68 snap into place within the pockets and/or by takingadvantage of the stop surfaces 69 fashioned into the inner surface 63 ofthe insert.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 8, the setting 80 with jewel 120 is insertedinto the receiving chamber 67 of the insert 60 and the article ofjewelry 20 such that the jewel 120 is exposed along the outer surface 28of the article of jewelry 20. In other words, the jewel 120 that isfixed within the setting 80 is inserted from the underside of thearticle of jewelry 20, such that it becomes impossible to remove thesetting 80 and jewel 120 while the article of jewelry 20 is being worn.This is realized because the opening 29 defined along the outer surface28 of the article of jewelry 20 is dimensioned to allow passage of thecrown 122 of the jewel 120, but prevent complete passage of the setting80 therethrough. In other words, the opening 29 present along the outersurface 28 of the article of jewelry 20 and through which the jewel 120extends is smaller than the opening 27 present along the inner surface26 through which the setting 80 and jewel 120 is initially passed. Suchdisparity between the openings 27/29 dimensions provides furthersecurity against inadvertent separation of the jewel 120 from thearticle of jewelry 20 while such article of jewelry 20 is being worn.

[0043] For even greater security, an additional cover or plug 160 (FIG.6D) can be inserted into the upper edge surface openings 66 of theinsert 60 after the setting 80 is engaged with the insert 60 tocompletely prevent the setting 80 from rotating within the insert 60.Downward extensions 165 are preferably configured for insertion throughthe upper edge surface openings 66 of the insert 60, which would preventthe engagement members 90 from rotating within the receiving chamber 67.Such extensions 165 may be dimensioned to fit exactly within theopenings 66. Thus, not only would the plug 160 prevent the setting 80from turning, but also it would provide further security againstinadvertent separation of the jewel 120 from the article of jewelry 20while such article of jewelry 20 is being worn.

[0044] When it is desired to remove the jewel 120 from the jewelryarticle 20, one merely removes the jewelry article 20 from one's bodyand uses the key 140 to again press inwardly and also to counter-rotatethe setting 80 within the insert 60 until the engagement members 90 arealigned with the openings disposed along surface 66. Then, the jewel 120and setting 80 may be pushed through the jewelry article 20 by applyingfinger pressure to the crown 122 of the jewel 120.

[0045] The present invention has been described with respect to onearticle of jewelry 20 containing one insert 60 into which is insertedone jewel 120 fastened to one setting 80. However, it will clearly beunderstood that the present invention can be defined as a system ofinterchangeable jewels and articles of jewelry. For example, a pluralityof inserts 60 may be provided on a plurality of jewelry articles, suchas a pin, a brooch and a bracelet for example. Each jewelry articlehaving an insert 60 of the invention is then adapted to receive a jewel120 set within the setting 80 of the invention. Thus, one may wear oneparticular jewel on a ring one day, then on a bracelet the next day, andso on. In other words, the jewel 120 set within the setting 80 of theinvention may be transported and used interchangeably with variousarticles of jewelry. Alternatively, as illustratively depicted in FIG.9, a plurality of jewels 120 a-d set within settings 80 (not shown) ofthe invention may be used with a single article of jewelry 20.

[0046] While the present invention has been described with respect toone particular embodiment, it is not intended that it should be limitedto such embodiment. For example, while the engagement members 90 on thesetting 80 and the openings provided on the upper edge surface 66 of theinsert 60 are fin-shaped, such engagement members and openings maycomprise alternative shapes (see, for example, the insert configurationof FIG. 12, which illustrates one possible insert embodiment with otherembodiments being contemplated). Also, such engagement members mightcomprise a single engagement member or a plurality as shown. Although itis preferable that the configuration of the engagement members 90 andthe configuration of the openings allow the setting 80 to be insertedinto the insert 60 in only one direction as discussed above. Inaddition, the engagement between the engagement members on the insertand the setting may comprise different configurations in addition to theuse of a projection 68 seated within a pocket 92 as described.

[0047] Furthermore, the spring 40 may comprise different configurationsto facilitate engagement and disengagement of the setting 80 with theinsert 60. One illustrative example is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, where auniquely designed spring 40 a, having rounded sections 40 b andflattened, chordal sections 40 c, is disposed around the perimeter ofthe inner surface 63 of the insert 60 a and is adapted to engage grooves95 fashioned into the side surfaces 96 of the engagement members 90 a.Upon initial introduction of the setting 80 a into the receiving chamberof the insert 60 a, the grooves 95 do not engage the spring 40 a becausesuch grooves 95 are disposed adjacent the rounded sections 40 b of thespring. However, upon rotation of the setting 80 a within the insert 60a, the grooves 95 engage the chordal sections 40 c of the spring 40 awhich act to resiliently bias against the rotation of the setting 80 a.Thus, the secure engagement of the setting 80 a within the insert 60 aresults from the movement of the grooves 95 against the straightsections 40 c of the spring 40 a. If necessary, a stop surface or membermay be provided in the insert 60 a to prevent over-rotation of thesetting 80 a within the insert 60 a.

[0048]FIG. 13 illustrates yet a further embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, a jewel is fastened to a setting via aspring, not a washer, while the components that are seated within thejewelry item have a different configuration as compared with theembodiment described above.

[0049] A setting 280 is provided with a hole 282 out of which the top ofthe jewel 220 will protrude. The jewel or gem 220 (faced downward) isplaced into the setting 280 (upside down) and a spring 230 is placedonto the tip 222 of the gem 220. A cover 215, having a depression 218 toaccommodate the spring 240, is then fastened to the setting 280 andoptionally, the cover 215 and setting 280 can be soldered by laser orglued together to add extra security. Other means of attaching the cover215 to the setting 280, such as by having a threaded connection betweenthe two, are also contemplated. The combination of the setting 280, gem220, spring 230 and cover 215 forms the “male” piece of theinterchangeable jewelry. The “female” piece, which is secured within ajewelry item 320 such as ring, brooch or the like, is formed by aninsert 260.

[0050] A flat spring 240 is positioned within a cavity 267 in thejewelry item 320 and the insert 260 is positioned thereon and securedwithin the cavity 267. The setting 280, having the gem 220 securedtherein, is then forced into the insert cavity 268 until the setting 280abuts the spring 240. Afterward, the setting 280 is pushed against theprongs 242 of the spring and rotated until the setting 280 locks intothe insert 260. As shown in FIG. 14, the setting 280 may be driventhrough the use of a tool 340 having fingers 342 that engage openings216 in the rear surface 219 of the cover 215. The unusual arrangement ofopenings 216 and tool fingers 342 ensures that only those individualswith special tools will be able to engage and disengage the setting 280from the insert 260. It should be appreciated that the engagement of thesetting 260 with the jewelry item 320 and the setting 280 with theinsert 260, to form a combined jewelry item that can be worn anddisplayed, is generally similar to the engagement of such itemsillustrated in the previous embodiments.

[0051] A system of jewels, settings and inserts is contemplated. Forinstance, every jewelry item 320 has two openings 327 and 329. Theinsert 260 is inserted through opening 327, while the gem 220 sticks outthrough opening 329. In order to benefit from the interchangeable natureof the inventive system, and in order to use multiple gems with a singlejewelry item, the thickness of the setting 280 may vary to accommodategems of different sizes such that multiple gem settings can be used witha single insert 260. If, for example, a woman has five gems havingdiameters ranging from 4.00 mm to 5.20 mm, each individual gem can besecured within an individual setting 280 that can accommodate gems ofvarying diameters ranging from 4.00 mm (0.25 carats) to 5.3 mm (0.50carats), such that the various settings, having individual gems securedtherein, can be used with a single insert 260. The interior thickness ofthe setting 280 would differ depending on the diameter of the gem, butthe exterior diameter of the setting would remain the same so that themultiple settings could be used with a single insert.

[0052] In accordance with the above, a variety of sizes of gems,settings and inserts are contemplated. For example, one setting/insertsize could accommodate stones of 4.0 mm (0.25 carats) to 5.3 mm (0.50carats), another setting/insert size could accommodate stones of 5.4 mm(0.50 carats) to 6.7 mm (1 carat), while another setting/insert sizecould accommodate stones of 1-2 carats and 2-3 carats. For each sizerange, a series of settings 280 would be manufactured to fit within aparticularly sized insert. The advantage of this system is fairly clear.Instead of a jeweler enlarging a hole on a jewelry item to accommodate alarger jewel, the jeweler merely has to place the jewel in a differentsetting 280 and then attach such setting 280 to the insert that isalready in place in the jewelry item. Of course, this would only workfor particular ranges of sizes. Going from a 0.25 carat jewel to a 3carat jewel would obviously require a jewelry item (ring, brooch or thelike) having a substantially larger opening 267 and a correspondinglylarger setting 260. However, if, continuing with the example above, awoman goes from a 0.25 carat jewel to a 0.50 carat jewel, the sameinsert 260 can be used in the jewelry item and the opening in thejewelry item does not have to be modified.

[0053]FIG. 13 also illustrates the use of an identification means 285associated with a setting 280. Currently there are companies that put aserial number on a diamond with a micro laser inscription. This process,although it allows for identification, leaves a microscopic mark on thestone. With the present invention, the identification means 285 could beon the setting 280, and such identification means 285 could be sealed bya particular sealing means such that if the seal is broken, the value ofthe identification becomes void. One type of means 285 could beinserting a chip onto the surface or into the body of the setting 280.Such chip might be a microchip that is essentially hidden from view andcan be programmed with personalized information. With such a chipincorporated into the setting 280 as an identification means 285, theintegrity of the setting 280 and gem 220 associated therewith can beassured and insured without damaging the gem 220 in any way. Otheridentification means placed on a surface of the setting or on othercomponents of the inventive system, such as a barcode, inscription orthe like, are also contemplated. As long as the sealing means remainsunbroken, the identification means can guarantee that the setting 280and gem 220 are original, bona fide products and not fake or imitationsof the inventive system.

[0054] While the present invention has been described at some length andwith some particularity with respect to the several describedembodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any suchparticulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to beconstrued with references to the appended claims so as to provide thebroadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior artand, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. A system for the retention of a jewel, whereby a pluralityof jewels may interchangeably set in an article of jewelry, said systemcomprising: a) a fixed portion comprising a receiving chamber and abiasing member, said fixed portion adapted to be housed within anarticle of jewelry, and b) a removable portion comprising a seat portionadapted to retain a jewel and further comprising at least one insertionmember adapted for insertion into said receiving chamber, c) said fixedportion further comprising an outer end and an inner end, said outer endadapted for being exposed during the wearing of said article of jewelryand said inner end adapted for being hidden during the wearing of saidarticle of jewelry, d) said fixed portion further adapted for passage ofsaid at least one insertion member through said inner end and into saidreceiving chamber for seating of said removable portion within saidfixed portion and for displaying of a jewel seated within said seatportion adjacent said outer end, and e) wherein said at least oneinsertion member engages said biasing member upon rotation of saidremovable portion within said fixed portion.
 2. A system in accordancewith claim 1, wherein said outer end and said inner end each have adiameter and said diameter of said outer end is less than said diameterof said inner end for preventing passage of said insertion membercompletely through said outer end.
 3. A system in accordance with claim1, wherein said at least one insertion member has a predefined shape andsaid inner end has a pattern of passages, each passage of said patterncorresponding in shape to said shape of said at least one insertionmember.
 4. A system in accordance with claim 3, wherein said at leastone insertion member is fin-shaped.
 5. A system in accordance with claim3, wherein said predefined shape and said pattern of passages areconfigured to prevent the incorrect insertion of said insertion memberinto said receiving chamber.
 6. A system in accordance with claim 1,wherein said biasing member further comprises a substantially annularspring member.
 7. A system in accordance with claim 6, wherein saidbiasing member further comprises at least one chordal section.
 8. Asystem in accordance with claim 7, further comprising at least onegroove disposed on said at least one insertion member for biasedengagement with said at least one chordal section.
 9. A system inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said biasing member comprises aplurality of tab sections that are biased toward the inner end of saidfixed portion.
 10. A system in accordance with claim 1, furthercomprising a stop surface disposed in said receiving chamber to limitrotation of said removable portion within said fixed portion.
 11. Asystem in accordance with claim 1, wherein said receiving chamber isadapted for the through passage of a jewel seated within said seatportion only from said inner end to said outer end.
 12. A system inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said fixed portion is integrallymounted within said article of jewelry.
 13. A system in accordance withclaim 1, wherein a jewel is fixedly seated in said seat portion.
 14. Asystem in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a facilitatoradapted for engagement with said removable portion to facilitateengagement and disengagement of said removable portion with said fixedportion.
 15. An article of jewelry comprising: a) a receiving chamberdefined by an outer end having an outer end opening and an outer endopening dimension, an inner end having an inner end opening and an innerend opening dimension, and a biasing member disposed between said innerand outer ends, b) a setting comprising a jewel seat and an engagementportion, and c) a jewel seated on said jewel seat and adapted forpassage through said outer opening, d) wherein said engagement portionis adapted for axial insertion into said retaining chamber through saidinner opening such that said jewel is displayed proximate to said outeropening, and such engagement portion is then configured for secured,biased engagement with said retaining chamber upon rotation of saidsetting within said retaining chamber.
 16. An article of jewelry inaccordance with claim 15, wherein said outer end opening dimension issmaller than said inner end opening dimension to prevent the completepassage of said setting through said outer end opening.
 17. An articleof jewelry in accordance with claim 15, wherein said inner end openingfurther comprises a pattern of passages and said setting furthercomprises a plurality of insertion members having a configurationcorresponding to said pattern of passages.
 18. An article of jewelry inaccordance with claim 17, wherein said pattern of passages and saidplurality of insertion members are fin-shaped.
 19. An article of jewelryin accordance with claim 17, wherein said plurality of insertion membersare symmetrically and radially disposed around said setting.
 20. Anarticle of jewelry in accordance with claim 15, further comprising atleast one additional setting comprising an additional jewel seatedthereon and adapted for removable engagement with said retainingchamber.
 21. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 15, furthercomprising a facilitator adapted for engagement with said setting tofacilitate engagement and disengagement of said setting with saidretaining chamber.
 22. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim15, further comprising a spring or washer disposed between said jeweland said jewel seat.
 23. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim15, wherein said retaining chamber is initially separate from saidarticle of jewelry and is fastened to said article of jewelry prior toinsertion of said engagement portion.
 24. An article of jewelry inaccordance with claim 15, further comprising a cover engageable withsaid article of jewelry to prevent rotation of said setting within saidretaining chamber and to prevent removal of said setting from saidretaining chamber once said engagement portion is secured within saidretaining chamber.
 25. A jewelry system comprising: a) a plurality ofjewels set within a plurality of settings, and b) at least one jewelryarticle having a receiving chamber that is adapted to individually andinterchangeably receive each of said plurality of settings, saidreceiving chamber having an insertion end and a display end, c) whereinsaid plurality of settings are axially and rotatingly engageable withsaid receiving chamber, and d) wherein said receiving chamber isdimensioned and configured to prevent passage of said plurality ofsettings completely through said display end.
 26. A jewelry system inaccordance with claim 25, further comprising a plurality of jewelryarticles each interchangeably engageable with said plurality ofsettings.
 27. A jewelry system in accordance with claim 25, furthercomprising identification means associated with said plurality ofsettings.
 28. A jewelry system in accordance with claim 27, furthercomprising sealing means associated with said identification means forinsuring the integrity of said identification means and the relationshipof said identification means with a respective setting.
 29. An articleof jewelry comprising: a) a gem secured with a gem setting, b) a chamberfor receiving said gem setting, said gem setting being removablyengageable with said chamber, and c) identification means associatedwith said gem setting for identifying said gem secured within said gemsetting.
 30. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 29, furthercomprising sealing means associated with said identification means forensuring the integrity of said identification means relative to said gemsetting.
 31. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 29, whereinsaid identification means is a microchip.
 32. An article of jewelry inaccordance with claim 31, wherein said microchip is programmable withuser information.
 33. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 29,wherein said identification means is a barcode placed on a surface ofsaid gem setting.
 34. An article of jewelry in accordance with claim 29,wherein said identification means is an engraving placed on a surface ofsaid gem setting.